Millions of American citizens have already left the United States in search of a better life. As the economy continues to crumble and as our society slowly falls apart, millions of others are thinking about it. But moving to another country is not something to be done lightly.

The reality is that there are a vast array of social, cultural, economic and safety issues to be considered. If you have never traveled outside of North America, then you have no idea how incredibly different life in other parts of the world can be. For those that are unfamiliar with international travel, it can be quite a shock to suddenly be immersed in a foreign culture. In fact, no matter how experienced you are, choosing to relocate to a new country is never easy. But things have gone downhill so dramatically in the United States that picking up and moving to a foreign nation is being increasingly viewed as a viable alternative by millions of Americans. A lot of people have decided that they simply do not want to be in the United States when the excrement hits the fan. So what is the best country in the world for Americans to relocate to in order to avoid the coming economic collapse?

For each person, that answer may be different. A lot depends on how much money you have and what your career situation is. A lot depends on what stage of life you are at and what your family situation is. Moving to another country can be very complicated and it can be a lot of work, but there are millions of people that have found it to be very rewarding.

When it comes to leaving America, a lot of people out there have some really strong opinions.

Many people believe that leaving the United States at this time would be abandoning our country in its hour of greatest need. They are convinced that virtually everyone should stay and fight to turn this country around.

Others believe that there is no hope for the United States at all and that leaving this country is the only rational thing to do. A lot of Americans have decided that the best future for their children and their grandchildren is going to be found in another part of the globe.

Still others are waiting to see what is going to happen during this next election. Most people would agree that 2012 is going to represent a huge turning point for the United States, and if the election goes the wrong way it could move America down a road from which it will never recover.

But whatever you believe, the reality is that more Americans than ever seem to be interested in relocating overseas. This appears to be particularly true of younger Americans.

*According to the U.S. State Department, 6.3 million Americans are either working or studying overseas. That is the highest number that has ever been recorded.

*According to one recent survey, “the percentage of Americans aged 25 to 34 actively planning to relocate outside the U.S. has quintupled in just two years, from less than 1 percent to 5.1 percent.”

*That same survey found that 40 percent of all Americans in the 18 to 24 age group are expressing interest in relocation outside of the United States. Two years ago that figure was only at 15 percent.

So why are so many Americans looking to relocate?

Well, our economy continues to get worse and worse. If you have not heard yet, it has been announced that an all-time record 46 million Americans are now on food stamps.

How much worse can it get?

We just keep setting new record after new record. Shouldn’t the government just put us all on food stamps and get it over with?

A lot of Americans want to escape this country before they get sucked into the vortex of poverty that has trapped so many other American families. 2.6 million more Americans fell into poverty last year. In addition, according to the U.S. Census Bureau the percentage of Americans living in extreme poverty today is higher than has ever been measured before.

As poverty and despair spread across the United States, the fabric of our society is breaking down. As I have written about so many times, the thin veneer of civilization that we all take for granted is starting to disappear.

Mob violence is becoming increasingly common in America. The following example from earlier this week comes from a story in the Blaze….

New York City firefighters came to the rescue of two NYPD cops who were outnumbered and getting pummeled by 50 angry female teenagers on Tuesday.

The Firefighters from the FDNY opened up on the violent crowd with a “deluge gun”– which is a high-powered, truck-mounted water cannon–finally causing the mob to disperse.

As society breaks down, the government is becoming even more repressive in an attempt to maintain control. Paranoia has become standard operating procedure and we are all considered to be potential terrorists. Sadly, the United States is rapidly being turned into a totalitarian “Big Brother” police state. Millions of Americans are not excited about living in a giant prison and they are starting to look for alternatives.

Meanwhile, the U.S. government continues to pile up the biggest debt in the history of the world and spend money on some of the most ridiculous things imaginable. If you can believe it, over the past 10 years the U.S. government has actually spent almost a quarter of a billion dollarson genital pumps for old men.

Our government is drowning in debt, our businesses are drowning in debt and American consumers are drowning in debt. At some point this entire house of cards is going to come crashing down.

Are you sure that you want to be living in the United States when that happens?

If you do plan to move outside of the United States, there are a lot of things that you need to consider….

Money

It is a lot easier to move to another country if you are independently wealthy. Since most of us are not, you will likely have to consider how you will pay for the lifestyle that you plan to have once you move.

There are some countries (like many of the nations of northern Europe) where the cost of living is extremely high. If you plan to move to Europe that is something that you will need to plan for.

There are other nations where the strength of the U.S. dollar is a huge benefit (at least for now). If you have a sufficient bankroll saved up there are some areas of the world where you can literally live like a king.

Jobs

Unless you are retired, you will need to consider what kind of job you are going to work once you move. If you do not speak the language of the country that you are moving to that is going to really limit your career options.

Also, you will need to keep in mind that wages in many areas of the world (especially in the third world) are much lower than in the United States.

Laws

Americans are often shocked to learn that the rights that we enjoy in the United States do not apply in the rest of the world.

You need to evaluate whether or not you can live with the laws that will be imposed upon you in the country that you choose to relocate to.

For example, I would not have the same freedom of speech to write the things that I do in a lot of other countries. There are many countries that actually hunt down and arrest bloggers like me.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that huge taxes or huge fees are often imposed on those moving to a new country. You may actually have to pay a tax on whatever possessions you bring with you.

Security

In many areas of the world you will not be able to count on the police coming to help you if a crime is committed.

Even if police are available where you choose to live, that does not mean that they will not be corrupt.

So it is imperative that you come up with a security plan. Keep in mind that in many countries the ownership of guns is either banned or is severely limited.

Family

If you choose to relocate overseas without the rest of your family, you probably will not get to see them very often at all anymore.

It will be important for you to evaluate whether you will be able to take long-term separation from your family or not.

Also, it can be very lonely living overseas in a foreign nation where you do not know the language. In many countries Americans are deeply hated so you may find it difficult to make friends.

Culture Shock

This is something that should not be underestimated. Moving into the middle of a foreign culture can be absolutely shattering for many people. A lot of Americans have absolutely no idea what life is like on the other side of the globe.

If you are thinking of moving to another country, it might be a really good idea to visit it first so that you can get a feel for what you are getting into.

So what is the best country in the world for Americans to relocate to?

I am not going to answer that question myself. Instead, I want to ask my readers to help me answer that question.

Over the next couple of days, I am going to take comments that readers on my site leave and I am going to post them at the end of this article. Many of them are extremely knowledgeable, and hopefully they can help all of us learn more about what life is like on the other side of the world.

So if you would like to participate in this debate, please post a comment at the end of this article on The Economic Collapse Blog with your opinion. Please tell us what country you think is best for Americans to move to and the reasons why you think that it is the best.

This should be a fun debate, and I am looking forward to hearing what you all have to say.

***Reader Comments***

godsofold:

I believe that the good Lord and our Founding Fathers blessed us with a wonderful country. As such, I believe we owe it to both to stay and fight to get our nation back. I’m an 11 year Marine Corps Vet, I served in the first Gulf War and in many different operations. I’ll be damned if I’m going to run when it seems what our country needs most is for us to stand up for it. I don’t believe now is the time. Soon, but not now. Things need to get MUCH worse for a great portion of the people to wake. There has to be some finite trigger that sparks that light bulb moment for the Average Joe to finally make a conscience effort at understanding the dire situation that we’re all facing. So, I won’t be leaving. I’ll stand my ground like many others around me will. Though we very way may lose, I couldn’t bear to stand in front of the Lord and say I did nothing. That would be the epic failure.

Semper Fi

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bobcat:

My family settled in the piedmont foothills of NC in the early 1800s. That is where I was born. That is where I live and that is where I will die.

That being said, this country ain’t what it used to be. You mentioned, “Americans are often shocked to learn that the rights that we enjoy in the United States do not apply in the rest of the world.” I’m shocked at the rights we no longer enjoy today that used to enjoy 30 years ago.

There really isn’t anywhere to run anyway. The neoliberal globalist banker agenda is being carried out in all countries. Their fate will be similar to ours.

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Kaye Art:

I am one who doesn’t believe in countries and borders. But I find it amusing that Americans who have invested so much in keeping people from troubled countries out of America are now looking at some of those countries to relocate, as if planet earth was set up solely for them. The reason they have such difficulty in other countries is because they are unaware that there are other people and cultures on earth who have just as much right to the freedom of this planet as them. As a relocation country I could recomend Zambia. It is a beautiful peaceful country in central Africa with a simple improving economy and very friendly people it has no oil so is unlikely to be bombed by Nato and America. But before you come it might be good to check out what a Zambian has to go through just to visit America let alone live there. I am not anti America in any way I am for all people but it is time for us to wake up!

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A Viking in Asia:

Relocating to another country is a huge decision, and for any number of good reasons (family, career, sense of obligation, etc.) may not be the right thing for many. Also, some people do not handle big changes and new settings well, and relocating to another country is probably not the best option for them either. But for those who do think it’s right for them AND are open to making big changes in their life, the ‘right’ country to relocate to will depend on your motivations.

I myself am an expat in my mid-30′s living in Mongolia. My primary reasons for relocating were 1) excellent business opportunities, 2) existing family ties to the country, and 3) a desire to see and experience more of the world. It also helps that in general attitudes towards Americans are friendly there, and firearms ownership is allowed (not as unrestricted as most of the US but much better than most countries). But what’s good for me would not be right for many; for people who heavily favor things like warm climates and metropolitan lifestyles or who can’t tolerate a rougher standard of living, Mongolia would be a terrible choice. So the ‘right’ country depends hugely on the person and their desires, and the good thing is that there are many options out there, whether in Asia, South America, Central America, etc. It certainly HELPS to have lots of money, but is not necessary in many places. I myself am far from rich and have only modest savings, but managing expenses carefully and staying out of the consumerism debt lifestyle made all the difference in making relocation possible.

Now as to avoiding the coming economic collapse, I don’t think relocating to any one country will let you ‘avoid’ it. Some may fare better than others but I’m betting all will be affected to some degree, even here in Mongolia where banking and high finance is not nearly as entrenched here as in many countries. Furthermore, I think it’s unwise to have the sole motivation for relocation being “to get away”. Except in the most extreme circumstances (like being a refugee) one needs to have good reasons beyond that to relocate, or else they’re likely acting out of fear and making a mistake. So I think it’s better to rephrase the question “Where is the best country for my life and needs, that will also allow me to prepare and better endure the coming economic collapse?”.
Finally, I expect down the road at some point after the big crunch (or perhaps “slow grind”) comes, if I prove to be successful here I will be in a better position to help my family and communities back in the US. IMO if we continued to stay in the US, our opportunities for helping our families and others would be much, much smaller.

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Armel:

Maybe instead of leaving the continent, we should just reconsider the political boundaries with respect to values, freedoms or lack thereof. Igor Panarin has been predicting a breakup of the US for the last decade. Perhaps it’s time that those of us with similar values stick together via relocating—sort of a ‘safety in numbers’ move, if you will….conservative, Constitutionalists in one designated area and liberals in another area, each area being treated as separate, sovereign entities, entirely different countries, who cares as long as they are distinct. There are too many left versus right arguments going on in this country…if we can’t get along, let’s just bid adieu and part ways, at least for a while.

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horhey:

This is a really fun blog, there is so much to the final equation. The culture thing was it for me. When I was 16, my folks moved to the Philippines. I grew up in SoCal, 7/11s on every corner. Every thing one needed an arms length away. In Manila the smog gag was nasty. Jeepneys ran on …….seemed like kerosene. Black smoke everywhere and humid. We ended up on a small island, beautiful but primitive. Power out daily, cold showers, Tagalog was not a first language or second are any. 2 years to learn, and gone now. It was a real tough wake up call. Best long term experience ever, it at the time gave parents grief. If you have a family and want to move, make sure your kids know the whole picture. Not the one you want to paint. Funny to read this Michael, just talking about this subject tonight. People soon will chose…Canon fodder, run for the hills, or just bail. Whatever is coming, it’s soon to arrive.

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Gutter Economist:

NOT GOOD

If you have a survival plan for living in the USA or offshore, don’t discuss it in public.

Before leaving the USA like a group of cowards, we should force all of the democrats and republicans out of Washington.

BAD

After trashing the USA and subjecting the rest of the world to our military, why would any American be welcome in any other country?

UGLY

Avoid the Northern Hemisphere – one nuke would cause severe problems here due to prevailing winds.

If you don’t leave the USA by year end, you may be too late. In fact, it is already too late to move most of your wealth offshore.

If you do move offshore, don’t count on electronic banking such as social security transfers.

Get a passport immediately while you still can.

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Greg:

I have 2 young children. And while pledge allegiance to the U.S. that comes below my God and my family. If the point comes I will take my kids and as much as I can carry and leave with no regrets.

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Already Gone:

why run away like a dog with it’s tail between it’s legs? i agree with godsofold that we need to stand up for this country. if people are leaving because they like culture/way of life in a different country that is fine other people in other countries come here looking for the same. we as a society are responsible for what is happening we trusted the government to do the right thing and it backfired. okay,so we are going to learn a valuable lesson and yes it is going to hurt but to leave because they do not want to be here when shit hits the fan to me is running away from responsibility. i would rather stand beside somebody who is not afraid than to be next to somebody who will run at the first sign of trouble. How could a person develop confidence, trust and dependence with these type of people? Maybe the grass is greener on the other side of the hill. But running away will never solve anything so if they want to go let them go. Who needs them or wants them?

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Gary2:

yes things will be better in 2012 when Obama easily wins reelection and we veer far left and hopefully become more like the Scandinavian countries. 2012 will be the year of taxing the rich hard(finally). He can’t run again so what the heck.

I have these idiot relatives who go to Norway on vacation and just go on and on about how good everything there is-universal health care maternity leave and a ton of valuable gov services. They then come back here to WI and I say I want it to be that good here and they cry socialism.

I encourage all conservatives to move to another country we will be better off with you and your selfish world view gone.

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EndOfAnErrorOrEndOfAnEra:

Michael, thank you for everything you do and I look forward to your articles each day. Coincidentally, just prior to reading your latest post, I was researching New Zealand as a potential destination for myself and my family before the excrement crushes the fan. Then I read this:

The sheeple need to wake up to the fact that what is happening in America is only a part of a much larger, carefully orchestrated effort by a global oligarchy to bring about a one-world governance. Period. There is no other place to hide nor should there be. America MUST be protected and preserved. Therefore, I will stay at home and stand side-by-side with patriots like godsofold and fight to return America to the virtues of its founding. No other society in the history of the world has enjoyed the freedoms and prosperity that this country has over its short 235 year existence or “experiment” as some like to call it. I just can’t imagine turning my back on that.

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Crystalcrew:

Relocation is a tough one as fewer countries welcome Americans. Westerized countries are becoming increasingly crippled by NWO regulations so that leaves less delevoped nations who aren’t targeted. Uruguay? Panama? Dominican Republic? Costa Rica? I guess we have to see where the power elite is hiding. Anybody know?

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Cinderella Man JD:

Michael, Theres no place like home as Dorothy says. Im stayin right here in Central Montana where men are men and sheep are scared. Thank you godsofold for your service. Both my mother and father are Marines. Even though you may die the Corps is forever so you will live forever!!! (from Full Metal Jacket). No this is not the time to run from our problems. We must make our stand here and now against the tyranny that is being thrust upon us. America is worth saving, once all the bums, useless eaters, and illegal aliens are gone all that will be left is the prepared and the holy. Believe me people the great culling is at hand and no where on earth is going to be safe. Im staying out here in the country raise my crops and livestock, build a wall and set up landmines to keep the zombie hordes from the cities out. They might get me in the end, but I will go down fighting. So dont move to another country. They have more nasty diseases and inscects and dangerous people and wildlife you can imagine. Hell I didnt like the American south with all the roaches and new snakes I saw when I went down there to visit my brother. I love it here in Montana. We have problems but not everyone could live here especially when its -70 windchill and blowing snow. Its a hard country but its worth it to be away from the insanity of the cities. Millions will be freezing and starving to death before this decade is out, mark my words. The fight for freedom is on! LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD!!!!

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Matt:

I’ll go to any other country that has a Constitution equal to or better than ours? How many of those are there? Oh, none. Case closed. I ain’t goin nowhere. Good luck to those of you that do – you’ll need it.

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David:

Some people like China and S. Korea, and they like to go and teach English.

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Charlie:

I’m a proud American Freethinker and Atheist. I’ll stay and fight.

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Ben:

All I can say is, I think it is cowardly to leave the United States. If you are not a natural born citizen and you have family overseas, I can see leaving. But if you were born here, enjoyed all of the services this country has to offer and then “cut and run” when things get bad? You have no heart. You have no character. And you are a coward. Plain and simple. Sound harsh? Sound unfair? Well…life is hard sometimes, life is not fair. Did you expect life to be easy? Most people in this country take too much for granted and the minute their “comfort zones” are infringed upon they look for something else to bring them back to their little “area” of comfort. If you are in this country and living here then I would bet you are doing better than 5.5 billion people in this world. Hell, even a homeless person in this country has it better off than half of the world’s population. So you are here, you have enjoyed the fruits of this nation and when it is in trouble, you cut and run? Do you do that with your family and friends too? Because by my estimation…that is COWARDLY! I cannot say it enough! And I don’t give a good ******** about what you think about this post. If you are a person who leaves when the going gets tough, then don’t expect to come back. I would fight and die for this country. I would fight for my family and friends and their children would have a better life. I would even fight for someone who was thinking about leaving this country. That is how committed I am to it. Do NOT EVER forget that this is the greatest country the planet has ever seen. You, me and everyone on here are a part of it.

Why do you want to throw that away?

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DaShui:

So, I guess our ancestors were losers for leaving Europe to come to America?
However I live overseas now, unless you marry one of the locals, moving overseas is a bad idea, especially to a non western european nation.

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Darien:

Is this a joke? Throw in the towel and leave the USA? First of all, I am staying put, this is my home and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Second, how many countries will accept masses of Americans with open arms, like we have? Instead, we must fight. We must jail all of the big businessmen and fake leaders who have commited treason and put into office those who have the citizens of the USA first, everything else last. We must demand repayment from the hundreds of countries we rebuilt, especially Japan and Germany who were the real winners of WW2. We must stop the imports form China, mexico, India and the hundreds of other countries whose workers pay ZERO US taxes. We must pull our military out of Europe and the *************** in the Middle East and instead fortify the shores of fortess America. I could go on and on, but won’t. This is our home, lets defend it and the good people who live here.

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David:

“BTW, my mother works 32 hours a month, my father works 44 hours a month, I work 60 hours a month and, in Chinese money, we make almost $2900 American a month.

Forgot to mentions. If $2900 American in China doesn’t seem like a lot, let me put in buying power.

I can have lunch and dinner (meal and a coke or juice) on less than $3 and still have leftovers since buying food from a restaurant is cheaper than cooking yourself (the same when I lived in Korea).”–Steven Katz’s son who is a teacher in China, and lives with his mother and father in China

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Words of the wise:

Lol good luck getting citizenship in another country as they actually enforce their citizenship laws unlike the banana republic. Nice of you to act like a typical ignorant american who knows nothing about any other country and pretends they are all hellholes compared to your banana republic. For all your talk in the end you are no better at trying to run away but it’ll all be for nothing as this collapse will have an effect on most of the world and nobody will be truly safe.